Sammamish, WA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Stereo audibility limit
- Unlawful beyond 75 feet from source
- First noise infraction
- $250.00 civil fine
- Repeat noise infraction (12 mo)
- Up to $1,000.00
- Jake brake penalty
- $250.00 flat, traffic infraction
- Exempt sources
- Airplanes and boats
- Governing chapters
- SMC 8.15 and SMC 46.12
Summary
Loud car stereos and unmuffled engine noise are a public nuisance in Sammamish. City code bars motor-vehicle audio or public-address sound audible beyond 75 feet and frequent, disturbing engine noise, plus separately bans unmuffled Jake brakes citywide. Violations are civil infractions carrying real fines, not just warnings.
It is unlawful for any person to cause, or for any person in possession of property to allow to originate from said property, sound that is a public nuisance. The following sources of sound are defined to be public nuisances, except to the extent that they may be specifically exempted by other provisions of this chapter: (1) Frequent, repetitive or continuous noise in connection with the starting, operation, repair, rebuilding or testing of any motor vehicle, motorcycle, off-highway vehicle or internal combustion engine so as to unreasonably disturb or interfere with the peace, comfort and repose of owners or possessors of real property; provided, however, this subsection shall not apply to airplanes and boats; ... (4) Sound from motor vehicle public address or audio systems, such as, but not limited to, tape players, radios and compact disc players, operated at a volume so as to be audible greater than 75 feet from the source; and
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance O2026-598, and legislation passed through August 18, 2026).
Full Breakdown
020 defines specific sound sources as a public nuisance regardless of decibel measurement. Subsection (4) bars sound from a motor vehicle's public address or audio system, including tape players, radios and CD players, at a volume audible more than 75 feet from the source. Subsection (1) separately bars frequent, repetitive or continuous noise from starting, operating, repairing, rebuilding or testing a motor vehicle, motorcycle or off-highway vehicle that unreasonably disturbs the peace, comfort and repose of neighboring property owners; airplanes and boats are carved out of that subsection.
010, states the City acts to minimize residents' exposure to the harmful physiological and psychological effects of excessive noise and to protect property value, sleep and repose. 030. Scheduled park and stadium events, such as public address systems at baseball games, and permitted parades or community festivals are excluded from the nuisance definition. 12 bans unmuffled engine compression (Jake) brakes anywhere in the City, defined as a motor-vehicle brake activated by engine compression that is not effectively muffled to prevent excessive noise; the exception is braking necessary to protect persons or property when no alternative braking system will do. 040.
Violations & Fines
A first Chapter 8.15 noise violation is a civil infraction up to $250.00; repeat violations within 12 months can reach $1,000.00 under SMC 8.15.030. Unmuffled engine compression (Jake) brake use is a separate traffic infraction carrying a flat $250.00 penalty per violation under SMC 46.12.030, enforceable anywhere signs are posted at City boundaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I blast my car stereo in Sammamish?
Are Jake brakes illegal in Sammamish?
Does revving my engine at home break the noise code?
What happens on a repeat noise complaint?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sammamish
Compare Sammamish to another location·View the Washington noise ordinances overview
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Vehicle Noise in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle vehicle noise.